Author: AFP

The recent US Supreme Court ruling granted former President Donald Trump some immunity from prosecution, potentially delaying his trial for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. The 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, stated that a president enjoys “absolute immunity” for official acts performed while in office. However, unofficial acts do not offer the same protection, leading to a review of charges against Trump to distinguish official conduct. While three liberal justices dissented, arguing against such broad immunity, Chief Justice John Roberts supported the decision. Trump’s trial in the election case, initially scheduled for March 4, now faces further…

The Kremlin is closely monitoring the French election results, with the far-right National Rally (RN) party securing a significant win in the first round. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed clarity on French voters’ preferences. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, emerged victorious, with Macron’s centrists trailing in third place. The upcoming second round on July 7 will determine if the RN can secure an absolute majority in the National Assembly, potentially forming a government with Le Pen’s protege Jordan Bardella as prime minister. Russian officials are observing political developments in France, the U.S., and the U.K., noting defeats for…

As the United Kingdom heads to the polls in a highly anticipated general election, the main opposition Labour party, led by former human rights lawyer Keir Starmer, is predicted to come back into power after 14 years. Starmer, credited with moving the party back to the center and addressing issues like anti-Semitism, is seen as a safe pair of hands for managing the country’s economic recovery. On the other side, Rishi Sunak, the Conservative leader and the UK’s first British Asian and Hindu prime minister, is seeking a mandate from the public. Despite some successes in stabilizing the government after…

Russian forces have reportedly destroyed 36 Ukrainian drones near the border, according to Moscow’s defense ministry. The ministry stated that air defense systems on duty took down and suppressed 18 UAVs in Bryansk region, nine in Kursk region, and nine in Belgorod region. This comes after the ministry announced on Sunday that 36 Ukrainian drones were shot down in border areas. Throughout the ongoing war that started in February 2022, both sides have heavily utilized drones, including larger self-detonating craft with vast ranges. Ukraine has targeted Russian energy sites and towns near the border, while Russia recently launched a new…

As Hungary takes over the EU’s rotating presidency, concerns arise over nationalist leader Viktor Orban’s controversial stance on various issues since 2010. Orban refrained from aiding Ukraine during the conflict, opposing sanctions against Russia, and alienating the EU with his views on immigration and asylum. Under his leadership, Hungary has veered towards an “illiberal democracy,” tightening controls on press freedom, LGBTQ rights, and judiciary independence. Despite criticism from the EU and ongoing infringement proceedings, Hungary remains defiant. Orban’s alleged ties to corruption, with family and allies benefiting from EU funds, fuel concerns about democratic erosion. Transparency International ranks Hungary last…

Russian forces destroyed 36 Ukrainian drones near the border, according to Moscow’s Ministry of Defense. The air defense systems on duty successfully took down a total of fifteen UAVs over Kursk region, nine over Lipetsk region, four each over Voronezh and Bryansk regions, and two each over Oryol and Belgorod regions. This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, with both sides actively engaging in military actions. The use of drones in warfare has become increasingly common, providing a new challenge for traditional air defense systems. The successful destruction of these drones demonstrates the effectiveness of…

Afghan Taliban Delegation Engages in UN Talks in Doha for the First Time Representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban government have initiated discussions with UN officials during their participation in talks in Doha with special envoys to the Central Asian country, marking a significant development. UN officials and over 20 envoys, including the US special representative to Afghanistan, convened with the Taliban government’s delegation led by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid to deliberate on enhancing engagement with Afghanistan and addressing economic issues and counter-narcotics efforts. While the Taliban’s return to power has prompted global contemplation on its recognition, the exclusion of civil society groups…

Tragedy struck in Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv as one person was killed and nine others, including an eight-month-old baby, were injured in a strike on a post office. Oleg Synegubov, head of Kharkiv’s regional administration, confirmed the death of a post office employee. Kharkiv has been a frequent target of Russian troops, who initiated a ground offensive in the region on May 10. Russian President Vladimir Putin cited the offensive as a means to establish a “buffer zone” safeguarding Russia’s Belgorod region from shelling. The violence continued as seven individuals lost their lives and nearly 40 were wounded in a…

French people are set to vote in crucial snap parliamentary elections that could potentially see the far-right party of Marine Le Pen come to power for the first time in history. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to prevent this outcome, support for the anti-immigration and Eurosceptic National Rally (RN) party has surged due to ongoing global crises. Polling stations have opened across mainland France for the first round of elections, with projections expected to predict the results accurately. The RN is projected to win the most seats in the National Assembly, although securing an outright majority remains uncertain. Macron’s decision…

With the UK’s general election just around the corner, Britain’s deputy prime minister has raised concerns about potential interference from hostile actors like Russia aiming to influence the democratic process. The election, set for Thursday, is expected to bring about a shift in power from the Conservatives to the Labour party. Recent reports have highlighted the presence of Facebook pages spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda, some of which endorse the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage. Despite these concerns, Farage dismisses the idea of Russian bots impacting the election as mere nonsense. Polls indicate that Farage’s party could impact the election…